SeedTime Money (Christian living & Personal Finances)

Pride is sneaky. It hides behind our success. It masks itself as “spiritual maturity.” It even whispers, “Look at how humble you are.” And if we’re not careful, pride will be the very thing that takes us out. In this episode, Linda and I unpack a conversation with John Bevere that completely reframed how I see wealth, success, and following Jesus. We dive into the #1 thing that’s quietly destroying successful Christians — and why humility isn’t just a virtue, it’s survival.   Here’s what we cover: Why King Uzziah’s downfall in the Old Testament still matters for every Christian leader today. How pride and religion work together to blind us spiritually. The surprising way the Apostle Paul grew more humble the more successful he became. My personal story of making more money than ever in 2015 — and how pride almost derailed me. 3 red flags that tell you success might be leading you away from God instead of toward Him. The one prayer I now pray regularly to keep my heart in check as we pursue wealth for kingdom impact.   If you’ve ever asked yourself: How do I grow in success without letting pride creep in? …this episode will shake you up in the best way possible.   Resources mentioned in this episode: John Bevere – Author, speaker, co-founder of Messenger International → http://messengerinternational.org  Conversation with Lecrae + John Bevere (referenced in this episode) → https://www.youtube.com/@johnbevere  The Bible – Isaiah 6, 2 Chronicles 26, Philippians 2–3, Matthew 5:16 Andy Stanley’s "Communicating for a Change" (referenced framework for clarity) → https://amzn.to/3BzOLgS  Quote: “You can’t serve God and money. But you can serve God with money.” Bob’s teaching on Mission-Driven Millionaires → https://seedtime.com    👉Whether you’re already leading at a high level or just beginning your wealth-building journey, this episode is a sober reminder: success without humility is a setup for destruction.   Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/5QB0l85R-CE)!   BONUS: Ever dreamt of hanging out with us for 6 weeks in your small group or church? Head to https://seedtime.com/true for details or shoot us a DM on Instagram (http://instagram.com/seedtime). If you haven’t checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life (https://seedtime.com/smrl/), we think you’ll love it. It was named the 2022 Book of the Year by ICFH and has over 1,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, and is best described as “a money book for people who don’t read money books.”  You can take it for a test drive for FREE at https://SeedTime.com/sample where you can download chapter 1 of the audiobook, grab the 1st 2 chapters of the ebook version, and even get the 5-week book study companion guide.

The speakers share their transformative journey from identifying as a couple who gave their age as a percentage of income to embracing a new path of radical saving. They discuss the challenges of releasing an identity that had become an idol and the miracles that followed. With personal anecdotes, they explore the relationship between faith and finances, emphasizing the importance of divine guidance and flexibility in financial stewardship. They invite listeners to consider what new direction God might have for them, moving beyond formulas to a deeper relationship.

This episode was eye-opening. I asked ChatGPT what keeps everyday Americans broke—and some of the answers hit way too close to home. Linda and I went through the list together and realized that many of us are quietly wasting thousands of dollars every single year without even realizing it.  In this episode, we break down 10 money wasters that sneak into your life: If you take just one or two of these seriously, you could literally save hundreds of thousands of dollars over the next decade.   Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Simple Money, Rich Life (Free Copy Offer): https://seedtime.com/free Visible Wireless (cell phone savings vs. Verizon): https://www.visible.com eBay (find quality used items): https://www.ebay.com Facebook Marketplace: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace HSA & FSA info (IRS guide): https://www.irs.gov/publications/p969   We’d love to hear from you! Email us at bob@seedtime.com or linda@seedtime.com with the money wasters you’ve spotted in your own life.   Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/gxz9X4MuJSc)!   BONUS: Ever dreamt of hanging out with us for 6 weeks in your small group or church? Head to https://seedtime.com/true for details or shoot us a DM on Instagram (http://instagram.com/seedtime).   If you haven’t checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life (https://seedtime.com/smrl/), we think you’ll love it. It was named the 2022 Book of the Year by ICFH and has over 1,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, and is best described as “a money book for people who don’t read money books.”  You can take it for a test drive for FREE at https://SeedTime.com/sample where you can download chapter 1 of the audiobook, grab the 1st 2 chapters of the ebook version, and even get the 5-week book study companion guide.

What if being “too good” at saving and stewarding money is actually holding you back from obedience to God? In this episode, we share the story of friends who, in their leanest financial season, felt God ask them to spend way beyond what made sense. Every financial expert would’ve called it foolish—but their “irresponsible obedience” led to one of the most important divine encounters of their lives. We’ll unpack: Why sometimes God asks us to spend more instead of saving more How to know the difference between your desires and the Spirit’s leading Why true stewardship is less about your wisdom and more about your obedience Three practical questions to ask when you sense God nudging you to spend beyond reason If you’ve ever wrestled with the tension between “wise stewardship” and radical obedience, this conversation is for you.   Resources Mentioned: Simple Money, Rich Life (our book — get a free copy here: http://seedtime.com/free) NeeDoh Stress Cubes (yes, our new team obsession 😂) → https://www.schylling.com/brand/needoh/ SeedTime Courses & Community   👉Share this with someone who needs the reminder that obedience always outweighs “responsible” stewardship.   Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/Z5pHkOGfcco)!   BONUS: Ever dreamt of hanging out with us for 6 weeks in your small group or church? Head to https://seedtime.com/true for details or shoot us a DM on Instagram (http://instagram.com/seedtime).   If you haven’t checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life (https://seedtime.com/smrl/), we think you’ll love it. It was named the 2022 Book of the Year by ICFH and has over 1,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, and is best described as “a money book for people who don’t read money books.”  You can take it for a test drive for FREE at https://SeedTime.com/sample where you can download chapter 1 of the audiobook, grab the 1st 2 chapters of the ebook version, and even get the 5-week book study companion guide.  

We almost missed out on an $8,000 furniture set for just $1,000 — because of one dangerous mindset: “You get what you pay for.” This episode isn’t really about chairs — it’s about how this deeply ingrained belief system can keep us from receiving what God wants to lavish on us. Grace, provision, salvation — none of them came because we “paid enough.” And if we don’t learn to think differently, we may keep scrolling right past the blessings God has for us. We dive into: The Restoration Hardware deal that exposed this limiting belief Why the Kingdom of God doesn’t follow “earthly” formulas How to discern between scams and supernatural provision The mindset shift that could unlock the next level of your life How curiosity (not fear) positions you to receive   And yes, we get real about marriage, furniture, and being shrewd with money — all while staying Kingdom-focused.   👇Resources we mentioned: Our book: Simple Money, Rich Life — Get a free copy (just cover shipping): http://seedtime.com/free Facebook Marketplace — Yes, really. This episode proves it’s worth another look. Bible reference about being “wise as serpents, innocent as doves” — Matthew 10:16   Join us as we tear down the limiting beliefs that hold back abundance — not just financial, but spiritual, emotional, and relational.   BONUS: Ever dreamt of hanging out with us for 6 weeks in your small group or church? Head to https://seedtime.com/true for details or shoot us a DM on Instagram (http://instagram.com/seedtime).   Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel(LINK NEEDED)!   If you haven’t checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life (https://seedtime.com/smrl/), we think you’ll love it. It was named the 2022 Book of the Year by ICFH and has over 1,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, and is best described as “a money book for people who don’t read money books.”  You can take it for a test drive for FREE at https://SeedTime.com/sample where you can download chapter 1 of the audiobook, grab the 1st 2 chapters of the ebook version, and even get the 5-week book study companion guide.

In today’s episode, we’re telling the full, raw, and unfiltered story of how one joking sentence I said over a decade ago blocked something we'd been praying, fasting, and believing for: a child. After 9 years of waiting, trying, and wondering, the Holy Spirit revealed something that shifted everything — not only for our family, but also for how we see our words, faith, and even finances. Here’s what we cover: The exact prayer that broke a 9-year block (and how quickly God moved after) Why your words matter more than you think — especially in areas like money, health, and family How we unknowingly came into agreement with lies — and what the Bible says about this Why asking God what you've agreed with might be the most important thing you do today How this idea translates to your financial situation and mindset Whether you’re struggling with finances, waiting for a promise, or wondering why certain things never seem to break through — this episode is for you.   Try This: After listening, ask the Holy Spirit: “Is there anything I’ve come into agreement with that I need to come out of?” Mentioned Resources: Our book: Simple Money, Rich Life — Get your free copy here: http://seedtime.com/free Scripture References: Proverbs 18:21 Mark 11:23 James 4:3 John 15:7 Romans 10: Ezekiel 17 1 John 5:14-15 Philippians 4:6   Want to go deeper? Join our newsletter & get weekly encouragements on faith + finances: http://seedtime.com/newsletter    BONUS: Ever dreamt of hanging out with us for 6 weeks in your small group or church? Head to https://seedtime.com/true for details or shoot us a DM on Instagram (http://instagram.com/seedtime). Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/hBp9kr-ShPg)!   If you haven’t checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life (https://seedtime.com/smrl/), we think you’ll love it. It was named the 2022 Book of the Year by ICFH and has over 1,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, and is best described as “a money book for people who don’t read money books.”  You can take it for a test drive for FREE at https://SeedTime.com/sample where you can download chapter 1 of the audiobook, grab the 1st 2 chapters of the ebook version, and even get the 5-week book study companion guide.

What if the hardest thing you're walking through right now is actually where God is working the most - even when you can't see it? A few months ago everything was normal in our family. Linda's mom cooked a full Thanksgiving dinner, we all gathered around the table, and life felt predictable. But two weeks later everything changed forever when she got diagnosed with a tumor and went to heaven just four months after that. And here's what I discovered - while you're focused on what's not happening, you're missing what God is actually doing in the situation. Because I used to think grief was just sadness, but it's actually more like a circle that never shrinks - your life just grows bigger around it. So today I'm sharing five specific lessons that completely changed how I see God, community, prayer, and relationships. Because if you're walking through loss, struggling with finances, dealing with marriage issues, or facing any kind of difficulty, these insights could transform how you experience God's presence in the middle of it all. This is one of the most personal, emotional episodes we’ve ever recorded. And if you’re grieving, or have someone in your life who is, I hope this encourages you like only God can.    Resources Mentioned: Psalm 91 (read it and pray it daily): https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+91 Levi Lusko on grief and gratitude: https://youtu.be/tMrM3xcg5MM Get our book for free (just cover shipping): http://seedtime.com/free Linda Lotich on TikTok (because yeah, she’s amazing): https://www.tiktok.com/@linda.lotich    🎧 Subscribe + share with someone walking through loss. You never know how deeply it might hit them.   BONUS: Ever dreamt of hanging out with us for 6 weeks in your small group or church? Head to https://seedtime.com/true for details or shoot us a DM on Instagram (http://instagram.com/seedtime).   Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/dOCvyYiKyMo)!   If you haven’t checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life (https://seedtime.com/smrl/), we think you’ll love it. It was named the 2022 Book of the Year by ICFH and has over 900 5-star reviews on Amazon, and is best described as “a money book for people who don’t read money books.”  You can take it for a test drive for FREE at https://SeedTime.com/sample where you can download chapter 1 of the audiobook, grab the 1st 2 chapters of the ebook version, and even get the 5-week book study companion guide.

What if I told you the same ounce of gold that could buy 400 loaves of bread today… could’ve done the same 2,000 years ago?   In this episode, we break down the ONE chart that completely shifted how I think about saving, inflation, and long-term wealth. I’ve spent over 17 years investing—and I pretty much ignored gold… until this blew my mind.   You’ll learn: Why I now see gold as a defensive asset in our portfolio How inflation has quietly destroyed the purchasing power of your dollars The story of bread, gold, and a century of financial erosion My favorite tool to buy gold automatically with as little as $10 Why I think gold might be the most biblical investment on earth What we’re doing to protect our family’s future If you're sitting on too much cash or wondering how to hedge against chaos—you’ll want to hear this.   Resources Mentioned: OneGold App (Automated Gold Investing)  Simple Money, Rich Life – Free Copy 10X Investing Course  Mission Driven Millionaire    BONUS: Ever dreamt of hanging out with us for 6 weeks in your small group or church? Head to https://seedtime.com/true for details or shoot us a DM on Instagram (http://instagram.com/seedtime).   Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/DegCJN91unA)!   If you haven’t checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life (https://seedtime.com/smrl/), we think you’ll love it. It was named the 2022 Book of the Year by ICFH and has over 900 5-star reviews on Amazon, and is best described as “a money book for people who don’t read money books.”  You can take it for a test drive for FREE at https://SeedTime.com/sample where you can download chapter 1 of the audiobook, grab the 1st 2 chapters of the ebook version, and even get the 5-week book study companion guide.  

What do you do when life punches you so hard, you don’t think you’ll ever get up? That’s what we talked about in this raw, holy, and surprisingly hope-filled conversation with pastor and author Levi Lusko. After losing his 5-year-old daughter and recently his father, Levi brings more than theology—he brings lived truth. This episode is a deep dive into what it actually means to move forward when it feels impossible. We covered: What Levi learned from the Statue of David that changed the way he views grief forever Why “spiraling” might not be the enemy—it might be the invitation The difference between being angry at God and angry with God How to manage a panic attack when everything feels like too much What most people get wrong about success, wealth, and midlife This conversation hit hard. Whether you’re grieving, feeling stuck, or wondering how to walk through something that just broke your heart—you’re not alone, and there’s a way forward.  Resources Mentioned: Levi’s book: Blessed Are the Spiraling – https://amzn.to/3WYTqDW Levi’s church: Fresh Life Church – https://freshlife.church/ Levi’s Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/levilusko/ Jamie Winship (mentioned by Linda): https://www.jamiewinship.com/ Our financial discipleship class: https://seedtime.com/programs Our book: Simple Money, Rich Life – https://amzn.to/3VCYBxz   🎧 Subscribe + share with someone walking through loss. You never know how deeply it might hit them.   BONUS: Ever dreamt of hanging out with us for 6 weeks in your small group or church? Head to https://seedtime.com/true for details or shoot us a DM on Instagram (http://instagram.com/seedtime).   Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (LINKhttps://youtu.be/tMrM3xcg5MM)!   If you haven’t checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life (https://seedtime.com/smrl/), we think you’ll love it. It was named the 2022 Book of the Year by ICFH and has over 900 5-star reviews on Amazon, and is best described as “a money book for people who don’t read money books.”  You can take it for a test drive for FREE at https://SeedTime.com/sample where you can download chapter 1 of the audiobook, grab the 1st 2 chapters of the ebook version, and even get the 5-week book study companion guide.  

This discussion dives deep into how Christians can think biblically about money. It contrasts the prosperity and poverty gospels, emphasizing a purpose-driven approach to wealth. Key topics include the importance of humility, generosity, and stewardship. Listeners learn to track their 'Net Given' rather than just net worth and discover the significance of crafting a personal 'Wealth Purpose Statement.' The episode encourages prioritizing eternal treasures and highlights the joy that comes from giving selflessly.